Inuit Games & String Games

Traditional Arctic peoples’ existence was by no means a purely survival way of life. They had their own justice system, dances, music, spiritual beliefs and forms of recreation. The games were usually played for fun but could become competitive upon occasion. The skills called for endurance and strength and varied from various types of kicks to pulling and wrestling activities. They were particularly popular in winter when Inuit gathered in larger numbers and enjoyed sports, drum-dancing and other recreational activities to provide a break from the harsh lives they were faced with daily. Like so many societies in the world, they also enjoyed playing string games, a method of amusing themselves by passing on stories, competing and teaching their culture to the young. Many of these activities are still enjoyed today.

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Naki Ekho shows another string game or ayarak. Although many races around the world enjoy this activity, the games and stories behind them vary from culture to culture. Typically, in pre-contact times, Inuit women and elders would have taught these games to the children while the men were away hunting.

Just watch. Seeing the elders set up a string game is a lesson in speed and dexterity. Often two elders will choose a game and then compete to complete it, beginning with intense silent concentration and ending in hoots of laughter!

Two finger hang. In this photo the participant must hold his entire body weight suspended on two fingers for as long as possible, providing an example of stamina.

Nugluktuq. Often loosely called the spear game, participants each set aside one prize for the game. Then they all try to jab their spears into a target suspended from the ceiling that has holes in it. When a contestant is successful, he can then select one of the prizes. The game is usually accompanied by much yelling and laughter!

Elders Qimaquq and Akata Saataa illustrate the qulliq, the stone lamp that traditionally lit and heated an igloo or sod house when people lived in camps on the land. The string pattern reflects the shape of the flames in a lamp. The qulliq today is usually reserved for educational, healing and ceremonial occasions.

Knuckle hop. This must be the most painful of all sports. The participant straightens his body and hops on his knuckles and toes until he can go no further. The effort results almost always in a pair of bloodied and swollen knuckles but a lot of respect from those watching!

Christmas is a time when traditional Inuit games come to the forefront in northern communities, a time when Inuit gather late into the night in community halls and school gyms to engage in games that have been passed down over the centuries. Because Inuit games evolved to fit the confines of a snow house, the skills were therefore more of strength and endurance and provided relief from the harsh conditions in which they lived.